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October 2006
Featured Article
And on the seventh day, God rested… It’s one of the first things we learn in religious school. And it’s the reason, we learn, for observing the Sabbath. “If I were to rank things, the single most important thing we do as Jews is to observe Shabbat,” states Rabbi Michael Lezak of Congregation Rodef Sholom. Resting, however, doesn’t mean simply a little “r & r,” Lezak explains. The Hebrew word, which we liberally translate as “rest,” actually means “ceasing work.” “I think God is saying, ‘You’re working too hard, you’re not hugging your kids enough, you’re not taking time for yourself,’” he says. Cease work and take the time, Lezak suggests. As a father of three young children, a two-career household and a thoroughly modern man, Lezak understands this isn’t easy. There are cranky kids, uncooperative spouses, soccer and Saturday-only sales at Macy’s to contend with. And as a Reform Jew, he’s not asking for strict observance. “It doesn’t have to be all or nothing,” he says. What he suggests is that individuals and families “claim Shabbat for themselves” by finding some way to make the day a special one. Creating a ritual – something you do each Friday night or Saturday – is one way to begin. “A ritual becomes organic, and the power of ritual can overcome objections of reluctant children and spouses,” he believes. In the Lezak home, the ritual begins on Friday evening with putting the challah, which Michael or his wife has picked up at a bakery, in a warm oven. When the delicious scent of baking bread begins to permeate their home, Shabbat has begun. “We set a nice shabbes table,” he says, using the word that connects him with his own childhood memories. The tablecloth, candlesticks and Kiddush cup that grace the table are meaningful, and help to set the mood. “I encourage you to spend more than you think you should on ritual items,” he says. “They become part of the family and can be used for generations to come.” The meal may be take-out burritos, sushi or traditional roast chicken, but whatever it is, it’s served in Shabbat style. “We’re dining, not eating,” Lezak says. B.C. – before children – the Lezaks and any friends who joined them often engaged in long discussions before lighting candles. A.C. – after children – shorter discussions center on what happened during the week. The children are encouraged to share negatives (bad things), which are then left behind, and positives (good things), which can be taken along into the next week. The family takes time for giving tzedakah (acts of charity), singing, lighting candles and even dancing. In traditional Judaism, Shabbat is the time to bless your children. The Lezaks do, placing their hands on the heads of their kids and complimenting them on something they did well during the week (successful potty training, on one occasion, he notes). Finally, there’s the wine and bread. Wine is the vehicle that makes the change between the week and Shabbat, he explains. He suggests holding the bottom of the cup in the soft side of the hand, saying the blessing, then tasting – and savoring – the wine. The Lezaks employ a Sephardic tradition to share the challah, which he brings to the table when it’s still warm. It’s clearly the kids’ favorite. After saying the blessing, he tears the pieces off and throws them to the recipients. “Shabbat should be fun too!” he says. Lezak believes that Shabbat can be an anchor, an island in one’s life. “Allow Shabbat to intervene,” he urges. « Previous Article |
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